3 Merced men arrested for stolen guns, drugs

MERCED — Three men were arrested Friday evening after a search of their car turned up three stolen loaded guns and drugs, police reported.

Police stopped a car for “mechanical violations” around 7:06 p.m. in the 600 block of Brittany Way, according to Sgt. Rodney Court.

The driver, identified as Eddie Flores, 22, of Merced, is a validated Sureno gang member and had warrants for his arrest, Court said.

The front passenger was identified as Hector Navarez, 25, and the rear passenger was identified as his father, Angel Navarez, 47.

Hector is also a validated Sureno gang member, according to Court.

After searching the car, officers found three loaded handguns, all of which were reported as stolen firearms.

There was a loaded 22 cal semi-automatic pistol in the center console, a loaded 357 revolver under the front passenger seat, and another loaded 22 cal semi-automatic pistol in the rear-seat cushion.

Police also found several bags of methamphetamine in the backseat, Court said.

All three suspects were booked into the Merced County Jail for weapons and narcotics charges, as well as possession of stolen property.

Police ask anyone with information to call Sgt. Scott Skinner at (209) 385-4702 or the department’s automated tip line at (209) 385-4725. Anonymous tips can be sent via text message to “TIP411” (847411). Include the word “Comvip” as the message’s keyword.